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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2009 - 2010

Module Title Introduction To Modern Ireland
Module Code LG112
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProf Iain McMenaminOffice NumberCG19B
Level 1 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims

This module aims to introduce most of the aspects which comprise contemporary Irish life.  It does not privilege history, politics and (high or traditional) culture as is common in other introduction to Ireland.  The module does not dwell on the issue of identity, but rather on what Irish people do.  This concrete approach argues that what Irish people do helps us understand who they are.  What they do also helps us understand how being Irish interacts with other less abstract identities, like class, gender, and age.  It also provides a basis for understanding what is uniquely Irish about Ireland.



Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to discuss in detail a debate relating to at least one major aspect of contemporary Irish life.



Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 12
Tutorials 0
Laboratories 0
Seminars 12
Independent Learning Time 51
Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

The approach of the module is decidedly general and may include topics such as the following:

  1. A very short history of Ireland and the irish until 1958.
  2. Modernising Ireland:  1958 - present.
  3. Who are they?  Where do they live and how do they spend their time?
  4. Structure of the Economy and Employment.
  5. Popular and other cultures of Ireland.
  6. Public and private in health, education and social services.
  7. Politics in the Republic of Ireland.
  8. Politics in Northern Ireland.
  9. A Tale of Two Booms.
  10. From Boom to Bust.
  11. What''s Irish about Ireland?
Assessment
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Indicative Reading List

There is no core text, the following books should be very useful.

  • Coakley, John and Michael Gallagher, 2005, Politics in the Republic of Ireland, 4th ed. London: Routledge and PSAI Press.
  • O' Hagan, John et al, 2005, The Economy of Ireland, 9th ed. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan.
  • Patrick Clancy et al, 1995, Ireland: Irish Society: Sociological Perspective Dublin: IPA.

Other readings will be indicated in the syllabus and throughout the course.

Students are also advised to watch a recent documentary series on Irish politics and society called Seven Ages.  It will be available to borrow from the Library.

Programme or List of Programmes
CCSBA in Contemporary Culture and Society
EBFBA in European Business (French)
EBGBA in European Business (German)
EBSBA in European Business (Spanish)
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